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Stories of #GoodChange

September 2026

Knit One, Warm One for Ukraine

Australian knitters and crafters have turned their creative talents towards handcrafting cosy hot water bottle covers for a new ‘Knit One, Warm One’ project, responding to a recent callout from Ukrainians suffering from a lack of electricity and heating options in their war-torn country.

A hot water bottle covered with a knitted cozy, half blue on top and half yellow on the bottom, lying on a wooden surface.

The ‘Knit One, Warm One’ project harnesses the efforts of volunteers, from crafty kids to knitting nannies, who’ve filled a shipping container with hand-crafted blankets, beanies, gloves, cardigans, socks, knitted toys and wraps, to send to war-affected Ukrainians every year, since 2022. 

“Knowing that a well-insulated hot water bottle can keep someone warm for 6 – 7 hours, knitters have enthusiastically rallied to the cause”, said Sylvia Lee, Executive Director of Good Neighbours Australia, organiser of the project.

The ‘Knit One, Warm One’ project was born in late July, 2026. “Now the project has been given a significant boost by the Awesome Foundation who’ve funded a key ingredient – the hot water bottle inserts”, said Ms Lee.

The ‘Knit One, Warm One’ project will spread encouragement amongst some of the most vulnerable parts of the war-affected population in Ukraine including: internally displaced people, people with disabilities, the elderly, single parents and orphans – many who struggle to meet even the basic essentials of life, including staying warm during winter.

The project also benefits groups of crafters, fostering a sense of community spirit and camaraderie amongst all involved.

For many, this will be the first time they have created a hot water bottle cover – so people are sharing knitting patterns and learning new skills from one another. Craft traditions and techniques are being passed from one generation to the next, further strengthening cultural identity and enhancing a sense of belonging.

School students, who collect and package up items for shipment, decorate gift bags and write cards of encouragement and support. In turn, Ukrainians will respond with heartfelt messages of thanks, case stories and photos to share with their supporters in Australia, once they’ve received the care packages.

Thank you

The Awesome Foundation logo, featuring two pink forward arrows above the words THE AWESOME FOUNDATION in pink text on a light gray background, represents initiatives like tackling Period Poverty with impactful community support.
White letters AC above orange letters AN on a textured, beige background resembling animal fur or a woven surface, subtly highlighting the mission to raise awareness about period poverty.
Logo featuring a maroon kangaroo above a ribbon banner with the text Wrap With Love Inc., symbolizing support for causes like Period Poverty, on a light gray background.
The image shows the word UNDERWORKS in bold orange uppercase letters on a light gray background. The U has a solid underline, symbolizing support and empowerment in the fight against period poverty.
The image shows the words SOAP AID in bold capital letters; SOAP is orange and AID is black, on a white background, emphasizing support for initiatives combating period poverty.

Good Neighbours Australia, with the help of generous Australian donors like the Awesome Foundation – Sydney Chapter, Australian Crafters Aid Network (ACAN), Wrap With Love, Underworks, Soap Aid and many others, has helped provide some of the most basics including hot food, psychosocial support, warm bedding, clothes, toys and hygiene items, as part of our annual Winter Warmer Appeal.  

To donate, visit GNAU’s Winter Warmer Appeal page.

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